but he is not quite finished in the sport yet. He added: “Everyone saw the memo from the UCI. It’s been four months and I find it quite strange that nobody has given it a try so far.

“The hour record is one of the oldest events in our sport. I want to put a little bit of light and focus on this.

“The UCI wanted to give back some recognition to the event and I follow their reasoning. It will be no pleasure cruise, but I’m really convinced that I can make it.

“I have no illusion to keep the record once [four-time world time trial champion] Fabian Cancellara and other specialists start having a go. But I like the idea of telling my grandchildren about it, when they sit on my lap when I’m 75.”